About

Design & Construction leads a comprehensive and cooperative approach to design and construction excellence in creating a campus that is consistent with the University of Iowa’s status as one of the nation’s leading academic/research institutions.  We support the University’s mission to educate, provide community service and encourage environmental sustainability.

Design & Construction takes an integrated and sustainable approach to the long-term planning and management of the University of Iowa’s land, buildings, and historic resources.  We facilitate and support decision making processes of Senior Administration and the Board of Regents in these areas.

DC Org Chart

As professionals, we provide the University of Iowa community with state of the art expertise in the following areas:

  • Architectural and Interior Design
  • Construction Management
  • Historic and Environmental Preservation
  • Project Management
  • Sustainable Buildings

For Campus Master Planning, Campus Development Plan, and Planning Committee information visit the Campus Planning and Development website.

Asset Optimization Services

Asset Optimization Services (AOS) helps keep campus running efficiently and reliably by bringing together experts from maintenance, construction, and utilities. AOS focuses on reducing costs and improving the long-term performance of buildings, ranging from individual pieces of equipment to entire building systems.

D&C Tool Box

Check out webcams for current projects, alerts, and more!

Department Goals

Design and Construction strives to integrate and encompass the following bullet points in all of the work that we do.

  • Innovation in the form of strategic thinking and creative practice to improve the results of the capital development processes
  • Creation of effective communication networks with various constituents, both internal and external, as the University of Iowa’s responsible liaison in physical design and construction
  • Dedication to meeting project schedules and project budgets
  • Continuous commitment to advance and maintain an institutional stewardship role
Pharmacy Construction

Featured Projects and Initiatives

10-year Facilities Master Plan

Stanley Museum of Art

Wrestling Training Facility

Contact Us

Michael Kearns

Director, Design and Construction

michael-kearns@uiowa.edu

(319) 384-2696

Jake Humphreys

Associate Director, Design and Construction

jake-humphreys@uiowa.edu

(319) 335-6282

Ryan Dehart

Associate Director, Design and Construction

ryan-dehart@uiowa.edu 

(319) 335-1298 

Design and Construction News

Three students walking through an outdoor pathway.

Quad Green renovations will create an outdoor destination for students

Friday, May 1, 2026
This fall, renovations to Quad Green will create a new outdoor space on the west side of campus for relaxation and recreation while preserving pieces of the site’s history.
A AI futuristic image of Tippie

A Look Into Tippie’s Expansion

Friday, October 24, 2025
Plans are underway to expand and transform the Tippie College of Business, adding 65,000 square feet and modernizing Gilmore Hall for the college’s use. Read more about the plans for the expansion project, as well as how the changes will benefit UI students, alumni, and the state of Iowa.
 Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squads Training Center

University of Iowa gymnastics, spirit squad training facility is open

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
The University of Iowa celebrated the opening of the new Nagle-Duda Gymnastic and Spirit Squads Training Center on April 10. The 32,000-square-foot, $20 million facility includes training rooms, locker rooms, meeting spaces, coaches' offices, and a large gymnastics practice area with competition-style equipment. It is located near the women’s soccer facility, and the opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony.